Pastoral care of the elderly: in dialogue with the Churches in Asia, Oceania and Europe

The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life continues its commitment to the pastoral care of the elderly by organizing two online meetings: one dedicated to Asia and Oceania on 13 February 2025, and another one focused on Europe on 20 February 2025.

These events, along with similar meetings with Africa and Asia held in December 2024, have brought together representatives from 80 Conferences of Bishops. This has created a valuable opportunity for dialogue and exchange in preparation for the 2nd International Conference on the Pastoral Care of the Elderly, which will take place in Rome from 2–4 October 2025.

The meetings have been an important occasion to address the specific challenges and opportunities presented by the pastoral care of the elderly in different cultural and social contexts worldwide.

Dr. Gleison De Paula Souza and Msgr. Dario Gervasi, Secretary and Adjunct Secretary of the Dicastery, emphasized the importance of a synodal and inclusive approach to pastoral care – one that effectively responds to the deep demographic shifts affecting the world. Vittorio Scelzo, the Dicastery’s coordinator for the pastoral care of the elderly, opened the discussions by analysing the unique characteristics of each continent regarding issues related to the elderly.

Asia and Oceania: balancing tradition and the challenges of modernity

The meeting on 13 February focused on the rapid transformations taking place across Asia and Oceania: growing urbanization, significant internal and external migration flows, and a progressive aging population. It is estimated that by 2050, the number of people over 60 in Asia and the Pacific will reach 1.2 billion. Several key topics emerged during the discussion, including the traditional role of the elderly as guardians of memory and wisdom – a role increasingly threatened by the growing loneliness and marginalization experienced by many elderly in large cities. The risk of a “throwaway culture” was also highlighted – a danger exacerbated by the presence of laws on euthanasia, which can lead elderly individuals to feel like a burden on society.

Pastoral responses discussed and shared during the meeting included the importance of home visits to provide spiritual support and access to the sacraments; setting up small community groups designed to tackle loneliness and isolation; developing intergenerational programmes that promote dialogue and exchange among young and the elderly. In Indonesia, for example, the Church is actively working with the Government to ensure the elderly receive both healthcare and spiritual support. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, efforts are being made to counteract individualistic mindsets and strongly reaffirm the intrinsic dignity of every person, regardless of their economic productivity.

Europe: the legacy of the pandemic and the active role of the elderly

The meeting on 20 February focused on the specific challenges of the pastoral care of the elderly in Europe, a continent marked by an aging population and the strong impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the positive experiences shared, the Irish representative emphasized the importance of intergenerational celebrations, such as the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which is also celebrated in Catholic schools to strengthen the bonds between youth and the elderly. In Hungary, a specialized training programme for volunteers working with the elderly has been launched, aiming to create local support networks. The German Conference of Bishops recently published a document stressing the need for constant and qualified presence of pastoral care in nursing homes. In Slovenia, efforts have been made to promote digital inclusion of the elderly, offering them opportunities to participate in online liturgies.

A key theme that emerged was the active role of the elderly within ecclesial life. In many European countries the elderly play vital roles as catechists, volunteers, and community leaders, yet their precious contributions often go unrecognized. Participants stressed that the pastoral care of the elderly should not be limited to a care approach, but should instead fully value the experience and faith of those who have passed through time, recognizing them as witnesses and keepers of collective memory.

Towards a future of care and appreciation

The meetings held so far have been a significant step toward the 2nd International Conference on the Pastoral Care of the Elderly, set to take place in Rome from 2–4 October 2025. The Conference will serve as a key opportunity to develop concrete proposals and effective operational strategies. As Msgr. Gervasi said, “We cannot think about the future of the Church without paying attention to the elderly, the generation that has passed down faith to us.” The goal is clear: to foster a pastoral care approach that goes beyond assistance, fully appreciating the unique and irreplaceable contribution of the elderly to the life of the Church and society as a whole.